Newton Clarence Chisnell. Akron, Ohio Stage Actor Who Upstaged Edwin Booth in 1882

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Newton c. Chisnell.

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Hello! I'm Mr. Ed

Blog Created: 3-5-2024

Greetings ~

After looking over the entire internet, I could find only a tiny amount of information about Newton Chisnell. And what I did find was my own listing on Find A Grave.com. I thought that he should be noted as he was an actor from the Akron, Ohio area who co-stared in an 1882 stage production of Hamlet along with famed period actor, Edwin Booth at the historic Academy of Music. I'm looking for more information about him at this time.

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Taken in part from local historian Mark Price's story about Akron's Academy of Music:

Acclaimed actor Edwin Booth, who remained a theatrical luminary dispite being the brother of presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth, was nearly upstaged during an 1882 production of Hamlet. In the title role, Booth was waiting backstage to deliver the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy when he heard a roar from the audience. Patrons had recognized Akron actor Newton Chisnell in the lowly role of a grave digger and cheered for him as if Shakespeare himself had walked onstage. Momentarily confused, Booth regained his composure, delivered the speech with fervor and invited Chisnell to take a bow.

Chisnell died at the age of 45.